Little motivation for me as I push thru to the end...............my new 'theme song' for the end of this prep, courtesy of my girl Erin Riley!
Here's to pushing thru 3 more days! See you guys in Otown!!!!!
[URL="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW40rfp7aoQ"]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NW40rfp7aoQ[/URL]
Monday, April 12, 2010
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Reflections on a dream
In mere days, I'll be taking the stage in Orlando for my second pro show. I've come a long, long way from the girl I was in 2004 when I walked into a cheerleading gym with a lot of heart...but zero skills.
The owner of that gym to this day STILL tells anyone who will listen, 'Look at her now! She's a PRO! I remember the first day she walked in here and all she could do was a cartwheel!' That day seems like a decade ago to me..............I've had a lot of injuries, disappointments, setbacks, crushed dreams, and frustrations in the interim, but I've ALSO experienced a lot of personal growth, determination, accomplishment, and self-satisfaction. I started this journey as an insecure, self-conscious, self-professed 'klutz'.............and now? I'm a professional ATHLETE.
I still remember my husband telling me (after I won my pro card), 'Honey, I'm awfully proud of you..........and even though this is a great accomplishment? It's nothing compared to the fact that you're a DOCTOR.' I looked at him (with tears in my eyes) and replied, 'Remember how you felt when you won a swim meet/soccer game/surf contest??? I've never had that feeling. I was always the kid nobody wanted on their team in gym class because I was scared of the ball. For the first time in my life, I can run fast and be powerful and graceful....and it means more to me because I had to WORK for it. Book stuff always came easily.......but this? Blood, sweat, and tears.' Literally:)
I guess you could say fitness has allowed me to grow.....to be the woman I always wanted to be. It's an incredible sport that's helped me 'mature', if you will. It's really NOT about the beautiful costumes or the perfect physique...........for me, it's been a journey of polishing myself from the inside out. I've learned that no one can MAKE me happy; happiness is something I must create. I've learned that I can withstand an enormous amount of stress.......physical and emotional.....and I can find appropriate outlets to handle that stress when given limited resources. And, I've learned that no matter WHAT anyone else says about me? It's what I think of me that matters most.
So, for all you girls who were called clumsy.........or picked last for kickball...........or thought you were too-scared-of-your-own-shadow to try and learn to backflip across a hard floor in a teeny costume for an auditorium full of strangers? This one's for you. You probably won't see me leaving with a trophy next weekend, but I'm okay with that. If I can get out there and kill that routine exactly the way I've practiced it........and inspire one awkward, uncoordinated girl like myself to give this a try???? I'm good.
The owner of that gym to this day STILL tells anyone who will listen, 'Look at her now! She's a PRO! I remember the first day she walked in here and all she could do was a cartwheel!' That day seems like a decade ago to me..............I've had a lot of injuries, disappointments, setbacks, crushed dreams, and frustrations in the interim, but I've ALSO experienced a lot of personal growth, determination, accomplishment, and self-satisfaction. I started this journey as an insecure, self-conscious, self-professed 'klutz'.............and now? I'm a professional ATHLETE.
I still remember my husband telling me (after I won my pro card), 'Honey, I'm awfully proud of you..........and even though this is a great accomplishment? It's nothing compared to the fact that you're a DOCTOR.' I looked at him (with tears in my eyes) and replied, 'Remember how you felt when you won a swim meet/soccer game/surf contest??? I've never had that feeling. I was always the kid nobody wanted on their team in gym class because I was scared of the ball. For the first time in my life, I can run fast and be powerful and graceful....and it means more to me because I had to WORK for it. Book stuff always came easily.......but this? Blood, sweat, and tears.' Literally:)
I guess you could say fitness has allowed me to grow.....to be the woman I always wanted to be. It's an incredible sport that's helped me 'mature', if you will. It's really NOT about the beautiful costumes or the perfect physique...........for me, it's been a journey of polishing myself from the inside out. I've learned that no one can MAKE me happy; happiness is something I must create. I've learned that I can withstand an enormous amount of stress.......physical and emotional.....and I can find appropriate outlets to handle that stress when given limited resources. And, I've learned that no matter WHAT anyone else says about me? It's what I think of me that matters most.
So, for all you girls who were called clumsy.........or picked last for kickball...........or thought you were too-scared-of-your-own-shadow to try and learn to backflip across a hard floor in a teeny costume for an auditorium full of strangers? This one's for you. You probably won't see me leaving with a trophy next weekend, but I'm okay with that. If I can get out there and kill that routine exactly the way I've practiced it........and inspire one awkward, uncoordinated girl like myself to give this a try???? I'm good.
Friday, April 9, 2010
one week out
I'm brain dead, so here's a pic. This was taken last weekend. As you may be able to see from this snapshot, I've lost my head...haha
BTW...we are in the process of redoing our kitchen. Hubby dearest did that backsplash. Am I the only one who thinks it looks like chocolate chip cookie dough?
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I'm gonna GET YOU, Marge!!!!!!!
Call me crazy, but I'm stalking every last little fat cell that remains on my ass at the end of this prep. There aren't many, but I know who they are, I know where they live, and I know their names!!!!
The last refeed and the daily cardio sent Stanley and Scrappy to the fat cell graveyard, but Marge is still there.........lurking................taunting me.........threatening to ooze out and attempt to eat my microscopic, bedazzled 2-piece suit bottom.
That bitch is not going down without a fight, lemme tell you. She's currently camped out, with her AK-47 and night vision goggles, lying in wait. She's planning a suprise ambush attack, I just know it. Sure, she might PLAY DEAD til showtime, but I know what she's up to. I overheard her telling Stanley and Scrappy (before their hasty demise...LOL...may they R.I.P.) that she may be playing possum NOW, but come showtime? She's planning to leap out and SMILE like a big dog at the judges as soon as I hit my first rear pose.
So, Marge? Honey, Mama's got some news for you. You will NOT be meeting Sandy Williamson or Steve Weinberger or Jim Rockell or ANY of those IFBB judges. Nope, nope. Marge, you're going down. It's 'game on' on my end. I got your number, honey. I'm gonna GET YOU. So, watch your back.
The last refeed and the daily cardio sent Stanley and Scrappy to the fat cell graveyard, but Marge is still there.........lurking................taunting me.........threatening to ooze out and attempt to eat my microscopic, bedazzled 2-piece suit bottom.
That bitch is not going down without a fight, lemme tell you. She's currently camped out, with her AK-47 and night vision goggles, lying in wait. She's planning a suprise ambush attack, I just know it. Sure, she might PLAY DEAD til showtime, but I know what she's up to. I overheard her telling Stanley and Scrappy (before their hasty demise...LOL...may they R.I.P.) that she may be playing possum NOW, but come showtime? She's planning to leap out and SMILE like a big dog at the judges as soon as I hit my first rear pose.
So, Marge? Honey, Mama's got some news for you. You will NOT be meeting Sandy Williamson or Steve Weinberger or Jim Rockell or ANY of those IFBB judges. Nope, nope. Marge, you're going down. It's 'game on' on my end. I got your number, honey. I'm gonna GET YOU. So, watch your back.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
CONVERSATIONS ON THE TREADMILL
I always have the most interesting conversations on the treadmill. Granted, I don't DO that much low-intensity/long-duration cardio there...not in prep, not EVER........but when I'm there? It seems like everyone is just chatting and hanging out and shooting the sh#t.
It's not often that I get the leisurely opportunity to chit chat, but when I do? It's quite an education. I don't know why, but when you are a competitor (especially a PRO competitor), people always feel the need to tell you whatever it is that THEY are currently doing in the way of diet/training. I'm never sure if a)they're looking for feedback/input, b)talking just because they too are bored, or c)really think I'm interested in their fitness goals.
I don't mean to be rude. Really, I don't. But sometimes it's like, 'REALLY? Did you really just SAY that?'
Today, for instance. I had a nice chat with an amateur figure competitor. She was telling me how at 8 weeks out, she's doing 2-a-day cardio........but 'only low intensity' so she 'can hang on to muscle' in her legs. 'No sprinting allowed.' Hmmmm.......really? In my experience, lots of cardio made my legs flat and appear softer and less separated.............or, the constant forward leaning motion on the elliptical/treadmill/arc trainer/stepper continued to exacerbate my quadriceps' dominance over my hamstrings. (BTW, she's 8 weeks out. Where is there to build from here? 3-a-days? 4-a-days? I shudder to think about it.)
She also told me that her trainer 'did not allow her to lose any weight' until this week. Now, this REALLY puzzled me. What does the number on the scale moving vs not moving have to do with progress? Just because the scale isn't moving does NOT mean you are maintaining lean muscle mass and shedding fat. It's a number..............a reference point..............a single solitary piece of data that taken in isolation is MEANINGLESS.
Additionally, her friend, the aerobics instructor? She couldn't make it today for am cardio. So silly me, I ask, 'She teaches aerobics? Why does she need MORE cardio?' The answer was, 'Because it doesn't work anymore for her. And she retains a lot of water, especially in her midsection.' Of course, it's WATER!!!! And more cardio is the obvious solution, no? How stupid must I be not to know these things???????? It couldn't possibly be that it's the CARDIO that's making her fat?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????
It's frustrating. These are very nice, very well-intentioned girls. I see them working hard in the gym, and I want to scream, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING????????????' (However, they have neither asked for nor want my help. So, I put a sock in it. Hey...not like i'm not busy with my own stuff.)
It's like Erik and I were discussing the other day........hard work is only beneficial if you're doing the right things. That work has to have a purpose and a clear-cut goal, along with proper nutrition to support that goal.
More isn't always better. Sometimes, more is just..............more.
It's not often that I get the leisurely opportunity to chit chat, but when I do? It's quite an education. I don't know why, but when you are a competitor (especially a PRO competitor), people always feel the need to tell you whatever it is that THEY are currently doing in the way of diet/training. I'm never sure if a)they're looking for feedback/input, b)talking just because they too are bored, or c)really think I'm interested in their fitness goals.
I don't mean to be rude. Really, I don't. But sometimes it's like, 'REALLY? Did you really just SAY that?'
Today, for instance. I had a nice chat with an amateur figure competitor. She was telling me how at 8 weeks out, she's doing 2-a-day cardio........but 'only low intensity' so she 'can hang on to muscle' in her legs. 'No sprinting allowed.' Hmmmm.......really? In my experience, lots of cardio made my legs flat and appear softer and less separated.............or, the constant forward leaning motion on the elliptical/treadmill/arc trainer/stepper continued to exacerbate my quadriceps' dominance over my hamstrings. (BTW, she's 8 weeks out. Where is there to build from here? 3-a-days? 4-a-days? I shudder to think about it.)
She also told me that her trainer 'did not allow her to lose any weight' until this week. Now, this REALLY puzzled me. What does the number on the scale moving vs not moving have to do with progress? Just because the scale isn't moving does NOT mean you are maintaining lean muscle mass and shedding fat. It's a number..............a reference point..............a single solitary piece of data that taken in isolation is MEANINGLESS.
Additionally, her friend, the aerobics instructor? She couldn't make it today for am cardio. So silly me, I ask, 'She teaches aerobics? Why does she need MORE cardio?' The answer was, 'Because it doesn't work anymore for her. And she retains a lot of water, especially in her midsection.' Of course, it's WATER!!!! And more cardio is the obvious solution, no? How stupid must I be not to know these things???????? It couldn't possibly be that it's the CARDIO that's making her fat?????????!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!??????????
It's frustrating. These are very nice, very well-intentioned girls. I see them working hard in the gym, and I want to scream, 'WHAT ARE YOU DOING????????????' (However, they have neither asked for nor want my help. So, I put a sock in it. Hey...not like i'm not busy with my own stuff.)
It's like Erik and I were discussing the other day........hard work is only beneficial if you're doing the right things. That work has to have a purpose and a clear-cut goal, along with proper nutrition to support that goal.
More isn't always better. Sometimes, more is just..............more.
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Second wind
2 weeks.......2 weeks.........2 weeks........................
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been counting down the days. I've been dreading show day.I've been EXCITED for show day. I've been excited for the day AFTER show day (I'm going to Disney! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! And no, I'm not even kidding!!! I'm really going to Disney! LOL)
I'm a constant flux of emotions these days, but somehow? I got this second wind of energy. I don't know WHERE it came from, but hey....I'm certainly not complaining.
I haven't had to drop the weight on my workouts this week! Hip hip hooray!!!!! I haven't had to eat extra lettuce or pickles or drink crazy amounts of black coffee just to sustain myself; the normal water/food intake has been just fine. (Not sayin' I'm not hungry..I'm DEFINITELY hungry....but I just don't feel that gnawing away to the very core of my soul, one-cup-of-coffee-away-from-certain-death type of hunger that usually defines the last 2 weeks of prep.) Routine practice has been productive and even FUN!!!
Time flies when you're having fun. And this prep HAS been fun. (So fun, in fact, that I'm considering another show this year. Texas Europa is sounding AWFULLY appealing, but I need to take things one show at a time.) Anyways, I'm sure tomorrow when I have to get up for fasted cardio, I won't be quite so chipper......but hey, as long as the good days outnumber the bad ones? I'll take it.
So, here's to keeping that second wind for 12 more days.
YIPPEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!!
YIKES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I've been counting down the days. I've been dreading show day.I've been EXCITED for show day. I've been excited for the day AFTER show day (I'm going to Disney! Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!! And no, I'm not even kidding!!! I'm really going to Disney! LOL)
I'm a constant flux of emotions these days, but somehow? I got this second wind of energy. I don't know WHERE it came from, but hey....I'm certainly not complaining.
I haven't had to drop the weight on my workouts this week! Hip hip hooray!!!!! I haven't had to eat extra lettuce or pickles or drink crazy amounts of black coffee just to sustain myself; the normal water/food intake has been just fine. (Not sayin' I'm not hungry..I'm DEFINITELY hungry....but I just don't feel that gnawing away to the very core of my soul, one-cup-of-coffee-away-from-certain-death type of hunger that usually defines the last 2 weeks of prep.) Routine practice has been productive and even FUN!!!
Time flies when you're having fun. And this prep HAS been fun. (So fun, in fact, that I'm considering another show this year. Texas Europa is sounding AWFULLY appealing, but I need to take things one show at a time.) Anyways, I'm sure tomorrow when I have to get up for fasted cardio, I won't be quite so chipper......but hey, as long as the good days outnumber the bad ones? I'll take it.
So, here's to keeping that second wind for 12 more days.
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